Porsche Cayenne – Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration (PCM3.1 Audio Setup) by Naviplus
- Naviplus
- Aug 13, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14
Porsche Cayenne GTS (MY13) – Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration
This installation was carried out during lockdown under strict contactless procedures. All staff wore masks and gloves, and every surface touched inside the vehicle was sanitized after completion. A demonstration video was also recorded once the installation was finished.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain some of our most requested upgrades, especially among Range Rover and Toyota LC200 owners. However, we also receive frequent enquiries from Porsche dealers and individual owners looking to retrofit these features into Cayenne, Macan, and 991 models.
Why Is This Upgrade Necessary?
Many people ask why this upgrade is important, and why it costs more than the cheap USB dongles often advertised online.
First of all, this is not a mandatory accessory. You can absolutely live without it, many drivers do. But having it installed makes driving far more convenient, offering up-to-date live maps, music streaming, and media apps integrated seamlessly into your factory system.
The Truth About USB Dongles
The USB dongles you see on eBay or Amazon are designed for aftermarket Android head units, not factory Porsche PCM systems. If adding CarPlay or Android Auto were really as simple as plugging in a dongle to a USB port, manufacturers would have already included it as an optional upgrade years ago.
How It Works
The process involves adding a dedicated hardware module, a small PC-type device that integrates with the existing PCM head unit. It works by piggybacking onto the system, without interfering with the PCM Gateway or factory functions.
Think of it like connecting a gaming console to a PC via a video port and power adapter—though in practice, the installation process is more complex and requires professional expertise
The installation process begins by carefully removing the head unit from the dash.
We always ensure that the dash trims and leather surfaces are fully protected throughout the job, covering all contact areas and cleaning the dash thoroughly once the installation is complete.
Below are some photos from the installation process, steps that are required for every PCM3.1-equipped Porsche when fitting our CarPlay and Android Auto integration system:
The installation requires opening the head unit and accessing the circuit boards, where the ribbon film cable (white) is bypassed to our taped copper cable.
No soldering or cutting of existing wires is needed. While it isn’t a simple plug-and-play installation behind the head unit, the process remains straightforward and causes no damage to the original components
The CarPlay / Android Auto interface is accessed by pressing the NAVI button.
Since the original Sat Nav remains fully intact and unaffected, pressing the NAVI button again while in CarPlay or Android Auto will return the display to the factory Sat Nav menu
Most Porsche models from 2009 to 2016 did not have audio control buttons on the steering wheel. Instead, the majority of controls including the track buttons are located below the screen.
Once programmed with our SWC adapter, these track buttons next to the volume control dial will function seamlessly with CarPlay and Android Auto
The camera for models equipped with one will continue to function as normal, along with the park assist sensors and guidelines, all guaranteed to remain fully operational.
For vehicles without a factory-fitted camera, we can install one at the same time as the CarPlay / Android Auto integration. Below is a reference photo from a previous installation on a Porsche 911:
You can clearly see the image quality difference between the two. The truth is, the PCM3.1 display is just as good as flagship models from other brands of the same era, the limitation comes from the factory camera, which doesn’t quite live up to Porsche’s brand quality.
In the comparison photos, the top image is from a Cayenne with the original camera, while the bottom is from a 911 fitted with our camera. Both vehicles use the exact same display hardware, but the upgraded camera takes the image quality to another level. On top of that, our product utilizes the full resolution and image capability of the display, ensuring the sharpest possible output
Above product is available from the link below:
Which is compatible with almost every Porsche from 2009 to 2017, with PCM3.1 Audio.
Get in Touch: 📞 03 9546 0452 ✉️ sales@naviplus.com.au 🌐 www.naviplus.com.au
